Council confirms next steps for Manuherekia water management

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has confirmed it will continue developing a Local Bill to Parliament to set a minimum flow rate for the Manuherekia River and enable decisions on the future of Falls Dam.

The decision follows independent legal advice from Wynn Williams, which assessed eight options and identified a Local Bill as the most effective pathway to resolve a water management issue that has been unresolved since 2015.

The Local Bill would set a legally binding minimum flow rate for the river – the level below which water users must stop taking from it. This in turn would provide the statutory authority needed to support those responsible for Falls Dam to make decisions on its future as the structure is approaching 90 years old and nearing the end of its life.

With regional planning timelines under national RMA reforms likely to extend to 2029–30, the Local Bill offers a more direct route to a definitive answer.

Mayor Tamah Alley acknowledges that setting a minimum flow rate is not straightforward.

“It’s a process that requires careful, substantial engagement with everyone who has a stake in this river,” she said. “But we have aging infrastructure and growing communities that are relying on us to act. This isn’t about Council making decisions for others – it’s about enabling the right decisions to be made. I think we all want this river to be well-used and well-loved for generations to come.”

No flow rate has been set at this stage. The minimum flow will be proposed following technical evidence and public consultation. Progression is structured through multiple decision “gates”, where elected members vote before committing further resources – with a final Council vote on whether to formally submit the Bill to Parliament expected in late 2027.

In parallel, CODC will continue working with the Otago Regional Council on regional water planning, providing a fallback option if Parliament delays or alters the Bill.

Development costs are estimated at $175,000–$250,000 plus GST over one to two years, and are expected to be offset through Matakanui Gold Limited land access arrangements and contributions from Manuherekia River Ltd.

The next step is working through the detail with experts and interested parties. This will be followed by a formal Special Consultative Procedure, giving the public the opportunity to make submissions on the recommended minimum rate.